David Fraser lives in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island. He is the founder and editor of Ascent Magazine, Aspirations for Artists, published since 1997. His poetry and short fiction have appeared in 28 journals, including Three Candles, Regina Weese, Ardent and Ygdrasil. He has recently published a collection of his poetry, "Going to the Well," and another of his short fiction, "The Dark Side of the Billboard." David is currently the BC Federation of Writers Regional Director for The Islands Region.

The hour is near with
harsh winds pushing off the water,
for the garden to rebel against
this relentless frost.
A low hung dash of daffodils
shouts for change,
garden-scented fog weaves through
the clematis vine, fills flowers white
with this year's healing glow.
In the forest by the edge
the half-forgotten fawn lily seeds
shoot up thin fibers
sheltered beneath the ferns
in their delicate dance
with the invading sea's sweet voice,
beside the creek's new heightened flow.
Time for patient watching
as the waking up unfolds.